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The Committee notes the Government’s report received in May 2010 in reply to previous comments. It draws the Government’s attention to the observation formulated by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) forwarded in September 2010. It also invites the Government to include its own remarks on the matters raised by ITUC when reporting in 2011 on the following issues.

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of employment policy. The Government refers to the 20 Year Perspective Plan aiming for full employment by 2015, as well as the numerous challenges experienced in executing the Economic Development Plan, ranging from the chronic mismatch between female labour supply and market demand, to the shrinkage of the export market due to the global economic crisis. It also describes various policies and measures adopted in 2009 to promote employment, including 3 billion dollars allocated to its economic programmes, lower bank loan interest rates, state employment programmes, and better enforcement of employment regulations. The Committee notes the provision of low interest bank loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which has created 938,000 new opportunities as of 2009. The Government also indicates that it has provided financial support to struggling enterprises in 2006 and 2007 to prevent mass lay‑offs. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the procedures and mechanisms established to review and assess the results of its employment policy measures. The Committee also asks the Government to provide information on the policies that promote full, productive and lasting employment opportunities to the unemployed and other categories of workers affected by the crisis.

Employment trends. The Government communicates that women’s economic participation remains a major issue and that the rate has decreased further from 17 per cent in 2005 to 16.4 per cent in 2006 and 15.6 per cent in 2007. The Government relates that Parliament has addressed this issue by passing a bill promoting home-based work in April 2010, providing a legal basis and financial support to enhance self-employment opportunities for women. According to the Statistical Book for Year 1385 published by the Statistical Centre, the national economic participation rate in the period 2006–07 was 40.6 per cent, while the unemployment rate was 11.2 per cent. The data shows a high youth unemployment rate of 23.3 per cent, as well as a marked disparity between female and male economic participation rates, with the former merely at 16.6 per cent and the latter at 40.6 per cent. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the labour market and employment trends and communicate any difficulties experienced in collecting and disaggregating relevant data.

Labour market measures. The Government indicates that it has established the Workers’ Unemployment Prevention Fund in 2006 to provide unemployment benefit and training to workers affected by enterprise restructuring. The Government also mentions an increase in the number of private employment agencies. The Committee further notes that temporary work permits were issued to Afghan workers in 2007. The Committee invites the Government to include both data and analysis regarding the effect of measures taken under the Workers’ Unemployment Prevention Fund and private employment agencies’ intervention in the labour market. It would also appreciate information on the integration of Afghan workers in the local labour market (see Part X of the Employment Policy (Supplementary Provisions) Recommendation, 1984 (No. 169)).

Youth employment. The Committee notes the Government’s Training Plan for University Graduates which finances vocational training for persons with university qualifications by its executive departments and other authorized private and public entities. The Government indicates that the State Technical and Vocation Organization’s policies have been revisited in 2008 and 2009 to improve the organization’s efficiency and market sensitivity. The Government highlights that 67 per cent of the organization’s trainees have been women but regrets the lack of data on the training of young persons disaggregated by gender, as requested by the Committee in previous comments. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on employment policies and measures adopted to address the needs of young workers including data on the gender of persons benefiting from the Government’s Training Plan for University Graduates. It further invites the Government to provide detailed information on how the State Technical and Vocation Organization has been restructured under the 2008 and 2009 policy review to better coordinate education and training policies with prospective employment opportunities.

Article 3. Participation of the social partners. In response to the Committee’s request to detail the institutional mechanisms which give effect to the Convention’s consultation requirement, the Government describes five such forums: the National Labour Forum, the High Labour Council, the High Council of Technical Protection, the Council of Social Security Organization, and the High Employment Council. All of these forums share a similar organizational composition consisting of government officials, academic experts, and employers’ and employees’ representatives. The Government indicates that the subject matters of these forums range from broad labour issues to more specific discussions on social security, educational policy and labour culture. The Committee invites the Government to provide some specific examples of how discussions resulting from such forums have been used in its employment policy formulation and implementation. In this regard, the Committee asks the Government to focus on the consultative procedures beyond the forums’ organizational compositions, which enable the Government to take fully into account the views and experiences of persons affected by employment policy measures.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2008 observation which read as follows:

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of an employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2007 containing elements of a reply to the observations that it has been formulating since 2004. The Committee had requested detailed information on the measures adopted to promote the implementation and achievement of the objectives of the Convention, particularly in a context of high and persistent unemployment (around 10 per cent according to the available official data). In its report, the Government indicates that a decrease in State participation is planned in the execution phase of the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan (2005–10). The Government indicates that it has formulated an employment strategy and is taking measures for its implementation. One of the central measures of the strategy consists of identifying new employment opportunities for the young persons arriving in massive numbers on the labour market. More particularly, the Government intends to promote self-employment through the allocation of funding for economic projects intended to develop entrepreneurship, tele-work and small enterprises. The diversification of economic activities, the increased use of information technologies and support for the creation of consultancy enterprises are mentioned as strategic means of promoting employment. The Five-Year Development Plan envisages a fall in the unemployment rate to 8.3 per cent by 2009. The Committee requests the Government to specify in its next report whether specific difficulties have been encountered in reducing unemployment and achieving the employment objectives set in the Five-Year Plan. It hopes that the Government will also provide detailed information on the principal objectives of general and sectoral economic policies and the measures adopted to ensure that employment, as a key element in poverty reduction, is the central focus of coordinated macroeconomic and social policies (Article 2(a) of the Convention).

2. Labour market policies. In its 2004 observation, the Committee requested the Government to indicate the progress achieved in the modernization of employment services and labour information. In its reply, the Government indicated that, in the context of the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan, financial incentives are planned to promote recruitment through employment offices. In addition, the Government indicated that measures had been taken with a view to: (i) encouraging the establishment of employment offices, including private agencies, in all provinces; (ii) facilitating the implementation of a national information network linking employment offices; (iii) encouraging the establishment of a specialized employment office for persons with university qualifications; (iv) updating databases of registered jobseekers; (v) undertaking surveys and compiling labour market data; and (vi) improving information systems for the various economic sectors and facilitating access to information by investors and employers. The Committee recalls that the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), and its accompanying Recommendation No. 188, recognize the role played by private employment agencies in the operation of the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to report on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners, to ensure the effective operation of the employment services and to describe the observed impact of the measures taken by the employment services for specific categories of workers (women, young workers, migrant workers). In particular, the Committee requests detailed data on the impact of the measures adopted to ensure that progress is achieved in relation to the labour market participation rate of women.

3. Training policies. In its previous observation, the Committee requested the Government to describe the measures adopted to improve the coordination of education and training policies with the objective of full employment. In its reply, the Government indicates that, in view of the constant increase in the number of young persons entering working life and the increased presence of women with university qualifications on the labour market, special attention is given to training activities for these categories of workers. Emphasis is placed on training activities which promote entrepreneurship among young graduates, and particularly women, and on training for trainers in relation to vocational guidance in the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information, disaggregated by gender, in its next report on the training provided to young persons entering the labour market, particularly those with university qualifications and on their impact in terms of the integration of the persons concerned into lasting employment.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in policy design and implementation. With reference to its previous observation, the Government reports on the annual meeting of a National Labour Conference in the Islamic Republic of Iran, without specifying whether representatives of employers and workers, and of persons engaged in the rural sector and the informal economy, participate in the conference and are, in practice, consulted on employment policies in this context. In the comments that it has been making for several years, the Committee has recalled the importance of giving full effect to Article 3, which is an essential provision of the Convention and envisages that representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, shall be consulted concerning employment policies. The Committee trusts that the Government will be in a position to indicate in its next report whether procedures have been introduced with a view to holding such consultations, either in the context of the National Labour Conference or any other competent body, and to specify the purpose and arrangements of such procedures.

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1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. Adoption and implementation of an employment policy. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in June 2007 containing elements of a reply to the observations that it has been formulating since 2004. The Committee had requested detailed information on the measures adopted to promote the implementation and achievement of the objectives of the Convention, particularly in a context of high and persistent unemployment (around 10 per cent according to the available official data). In its report, the Government indicates that a decrease in State participation is planned in the execution phase of the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan (2005–10). The Government indicates that it has formulated an employment strategy and is taking measures for its implementation. One of the central measures of the strategy consists of identifying new employment opportunities for the young persons arriving in massive numbers on the labour market. More particularly, the Government intends to promote self-employment through the allocation of funding for economic projects intended to develop entrepreneurship, telework and small enterprises. The diversification of economic activities, the increased use of information technologies and support for the creation of consultancy enterprises are mentioned as strategic means of promoting employment. The Five-Year Development Plan envisages a fall in the unemployment rate to 8.3 per cent by 2009. The Committee requests the Government to specify in its next report whether specific difficulties have been encountered in reducing unemployment and achieving the employment objectives set in the Five-Year Plan. It hopes that the Government will also provide detailed information on the principal objectives of general and sectoral economic policies and the measures adopted to ensure that employment, as a key element in poverty reduction, is the central focus of coordinated macroeconomic and social policies (Article 2(a) of the Convention).

2. Labour market policies. In its 2004 observation, the Committee requested the Government to indicate the progress achieved in the modernization of employment services and labour information. In its reply, the Government indicated that, in the context of the Fourth Five-Year Development Plan, financial incentives are planned to promote recruitment through employment offices. In addition, the Government indicated that measures had been taken with a view to: (i) encouraging the establishment of employment offices, including private agencies, in all provinces; (ii) facilitating the implementation of a national information network linking employment offices; (iii) encouraging the establishment of a specialized employment office for persons with university qualifications; (iv) updating databases of registered jobseekers; (v) undertaking surveys and compiling labour market data; and (vi) improving information systems for the various economic sectors and facilitating access to information by investors and employers. The Committee recalls that the Private Employment Agencies Convention, 1997 (No. 181), and its accompanying Recommendation No. 188, recognize the role played by private employment agencies in the operation of the labour market. The Committee requests the Government to report on the measures adopted, in collaboration with the social partners, to ensure the effective operation of the employment services and to describe the observed impact of the measures taken by the employment services for specific categories of workers (women, young workers, migrant workers). In particular, the Committee requests detailed data on the impact of the measures adopted to ensure that progress is achieved in relation to the labour market participation rate of women.

3. Training policies. In its previous observation, the Committee requested the Government to describe the measures adopted to improve the coordination of education and training policies with the objective of full employment. In its reply, the Government indicates that, in view of the constant increase in the number of young persons entering working life and the increased presence of women with university qualifications on the labour market, special attention is given to training activities for these categories of workers. Emphasis is placed on training activities which promote entrepreneurship among young graduates, and particularly women, and on training for trainers in relation to vocational guidance in the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. The Committee requests the Government to provide detailed information, disaggregated by gender, in its next report on the training provided to young persons entering the labour market, particularly those with university qualifications and on their impact in terms of the integration of the persons concerned into lasting employment.

4. Article 3. Participation of the social partners in policy design and implementation. With reference to its previous observation, the Government reports on the annual meeting of a National Labour Conference in the Islamic Republic of Iran, without specifying whether representatives of employers and workers, and of persons engaged in the rural sector and the informal economy, participate in the conference and are, in practice, consulted on employment policies in this context. In the comments that it has been making for several years, the Committee has recalled the importance of giving full effect to Article 3, which is an essential provision of the Convention and envisages that representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, shall be consulted concerning employment policies. The Committee trusts that the Government will be in a position to indicate in its next report whether procedures have been introduced with a view to holding such consultations, either in the context of the National Labour Conference or any other competent body, and to specify the purpose and arrangements of such procedures.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It is therefore bound to repeat its 2004 observation which read as follows:

1. Formulation of an employment strategy. The Committee notes, from the statistical data provided by the Government in its report, that the unemployment rate fell from 14.2 per cent in 2001 to 12.8 per cent in 2002, principally due to its decline in rural areas. The characteristics of the distribution of employment and/of unemployment which gave rise to concern remain however: the activity rate of women is still extremely low and they continue to experience a higher unemployment rate than men, and the proportion of long-term unemployment in total unemployment rose once again, as 70.9 per cent of the unemployed in 2002 had been seeking a job for more than one year, compared with 66 per cent in 2001. In this context, the Committee, which notes the fundamental importance given to job creation in both the Third and draft Fourth Five-Year Plans, notes with interest the Government’s reference to the formulation of an employment strategy in collaboration with ILO employment specialists. Following a national workshop, held on 30 June and 1 July 2003, and bringing together representatives of the various ministries concerned, employers’ and workers’ organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities and researchers, a report was prepared for the Government containing a series of recommendations on short-term measures and the long-term strategy covering macroeconomic policy, labour market and industrial relations policies, skills development, the creation of employment through small and medium-sized enterprises, the promotion of gender equality and social security. In the view of the Committee, taking these recommendations into consideration should promote the achievement of the objectives of the Convention, which provides that employment promotion policies and programmes shall be decided on and kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy (Article 2 of the Convention). It further notes that, in addition to its contribution to the formulation of the employment strategy, the Government refers to the ILO’s advisory and technical cooperation activities in relation to vocational training and the promotion of women’s employment. It requests the Government to indicate any actions taken as a result of these activities, which should promote the application of the Convention (Part V of the report form).

2. Overall and sectoral economic policies. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the provisions adopted in relation to investment, exports and the reduction of government monopolies as policy measures with an indirect effect on employment. Recalling that, under the terms of the Convention, the measures to be taken to achieve employment objectives should be decided on and kept under review “within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy” (Article 2(a)), the Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the overall and sectoral economic policies contribute to the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment.

3. Labour market and training policies. The Committee notes the various incentives for recruitment based on the reduction of employers’ contributions and tax incentives for investments which create employment in the less developed regions. It asks the Government to provide any available assessment of the results achieved through these measures. The Committee notes that the Government has undertaken to modernize the employment services and the employment information system. It requests it to report on the progress achieved in this respect. Also noting the emphasis placed on the reinforcement of the training system, and on the need for better coordination of education and training policies with the objective of full employment, the Committee requests the Government to describe the measures adopted for this purpose. With reference to its comments on the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee notes with interest the information on the increase in the participation of women in apprenticeship and vocational training activities. It requests the Government to continue providing such information, with an indication of the measures adopted to ensure that this progress is translated into an increase in the participation rate of women in economic activity. In this respect, the Committee notes the relevant recommendations adopted by the Conference on the Promotion of Women’s Employment, Autonomy and Equality, held on 8 and 9 March 2004 under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the ILO.

4. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. With reference to the requests that it has been making for several years, the Committee once again asks the Government to indicate the manner in which effect is given to Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee emphasizes once again the importance of this Article which provides that representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, shall be consulted concerning employment policies. Please indicate whether procedures have been established for the purpose of holding such consultations and whether representatives of persons engaged in the rural sector and the informal economy are associated with such consultations.

The Committee hopes that the Government will make every effort to take the necessary action in the very near future.

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The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2004 observation which read as follows:

1. Formulation of an employment strategy. The Committee notes, from the statistical data provided by the Government in its report, that the unemployment rate fell from 14.2 per cent in 2001 to 12.8 per cent in 2002, principally due to its decline in rural areas. The characteristics of the distribution of employment and/of unemployment which gave rise to concern remain however: the activity rate of women is still extremely low and they continue to experience a higher unemployment rate than men, and the proportion of long-term unemployment in total unemployment rose once again, as 70.9 per cent of the unemployed in 2002 had been seeking a job for more than one year, compared with 66 per cent in 2001. In this context, the Committee, which notes the fundamental importance given to job creation in both the Third and draft Fourth Five-Year Plans, notes with interest the Government’s reference to the formulation of an employment strategy in collaboration with ILO employment specialists. Following a national workshop, held on 30 June and 1 July 2003, and bringing together representatives of the various ministries concerned, employers’ and workers’ organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities and researchers, a report was prepared for the Government containing a series of recommendations on short-term measures and the long-term strategy covering macroeconomic policy, labour market and industrial relations policies, skills development, the creation of employment through small and medium-sized enterprises, the promotion of gender equality and social security. In the view of the Committee, taking these recommendations into consideration should promote the achievement of the objectives of the Convention, which provides that employment promotion policies and programmes shall be decided on and kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy (Article 2 of the Convention). It further notes that, in addition to its contribution to the formulation of the employment strategy, the Government refers to the ILO’s advisory and technical cooperation activities in relation to vocational training and the promotion of women’s employment. It requests the Government to indicate any actions taken as a result of these activities, which should promote the application of the Convention (Part V of the report form).

2. Overall and sectoral economic policies. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the provisions adopted in relation to investment, exports and the reduction of government monopolies as policy measures with an indirect effect on employment. Recalling that, under the terms of the Convention, the measures to be taken to achieve employment objectives should be decided on and kept under review "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy" (Article 2(a)), the Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the overall and sectoral economic policies contribute to the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment.

3. Labour market and training policies. The Committee notes the various incentives for recruitment based on the reduction of employers’ contributions and tax incentives for investments which create employment in the less developed regions. It asks the Government to provide any available assessment of the results achieved through these measures. The Committee notes that the Government has undertaken to modernize the employment services and the employment information system. It requests it to report on the progress achieved in this respect. Also noting the emphasis placed on the reinforcement of the training system, and on the need for better coordination of education and training policies with the objective of full employment, the Committee requests the Government to describe the measures adopted for this purpose. With reference to its comments on the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee notes with interest the information on the increase in the participation of women in apprenticeship and vocational training activities. It requests the Government to continue providing such information, with an indication of the measures adopted to ensure that this progress is translated into an increase in the participation rate of women in economic activity. In this respect, the Committee notes the relevant recommendations adopted by the Conference on the Promotion of Women’s Employment, Autonomy and Equality, held on 8 and 9 March 2004 under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the ILO.

4. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. With reference to the requests that it has been making for several years, the Committee once again asks the Government to indicate the manner in which effect is given to Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee emphasizes once again the importance of this Article which provides that representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, shall be consulted concerning employment policies. Please indicate whether procedures have been established for the purpose of holding such consultations and whether representatives of persons engaged in the rural sector and the informal economy are associated with such consultations.

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1. Formulation of an employment strategy. The Committee notes, from the statistical data provided by the Government in its report, that the unemployment rate fell from 14.2 per cent in 2001 to 12.8 per cent in 2002, principally due to its decline in rural areas. The characteristics of the distribution of employment and/of unemployment which gave rise to concern remain however: the activity rate of women is still extremely low and they continue to experience a higher unemployment rate than men, and the proportion of long-term unemployment in total unemployment rose once again, as 70.9 per cent of the unemployed in 2002 had been seeking a job for more than one year, compared with 66 per cent in 2001. In this context, the Committee, which notes the fundamental importance given to job creation in both the Third and draft Fourth Five-Year Plans, notes with interest the Government’s reference to the formulation of an employment strategy in collaboration with ILO employment specialists. Following a national workshop, held on 30 June and 1 July 2003, and bringing together representatives of the various ministries concerned, employers’ and workers’ organizations, non-governmental organizations, universities and researchers, a report was prepared for the Government containing a series of recommendations on short-term measures and the long-term strategy covering macroeconomic policy, labour market and industrial relations policies, skills development, the creation of employment through small and medium-sized enterprises, the promotion of gender equality and social security. In the view of the Committee, taking these recommendations into consideration should promote the achievement of the objectives of the Convention, which provides that employment promotion policies and programmes shall be decided on and kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy (Article 2 of the Convention). It further notes that, in addition to its contribution to the formulation of the employment strategy, the Government refers to the ILO’s advisory and technical cooperation activities in relation to vocational training and the promotion of women’s employment. It requests the Government to indicate any actions taken as a result of these activities, which should promote the application of the Convention (Part V of the report form).

2. Overall and sectoral economic policies. The Committee notes the Government’s reference to the provisions adopted in relation to investment, exports and the reduction of government monopolies as policy measures with an indirect effect on employment. Recalling that, under the terms of the Convention, the measures to be taken to achieve employment objectives should be decided on and kept under review "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy" (Article 2(a)), the Committee requests the Government to indicate the manner in which the overall and sectoral economic policies contribute to the promotion of full, productive and freely chosen employment.

3. Labour market and training policies. The Committee notes the various incentives for recruitment based on the reduction of employers’ contributions and tax incentives for investments which create employment in the less developed regions. It asks the Government to provide any available assessment of the results achieved through these measures. The Committee notes that the Government has undertaken to modernize the employment services and the employment information system. It requests it to report on the progress achieved in this respect. Also noting the emphasis placed on the reinforcement of the training system, and on the need for better coordination of education and training policies with the objective of full employment, the Committee requests the Government to describe the measures adopted for this purpose. With reference to its comments on the application of Convention No. 111, the Committee notes with interest the information on the increase in the participation of women in apprenticeship and vocational training activities. It requests the Government to continue providing such information, with an indication of the measures adopted to ensure that this progress is translated into an increase in the participation rate of women in economic activity. In this respect, the Committee notes the relevant recommendations adopted by the Conference on the Promotion of Women’s Employment, Autonomy and Equality, held on 8 and 9 March 2004 under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the ILO.

4. Participation of the social partners in the formulation and application of policies. With reference to the requests that it has been making for several years, the Committee once again asks the Government to indicate the manner in which effect is given to Article 3 of the Convention. The Committee emphasizes once again the importance of this Article which provides that representatives of the persons affected by the measures to be taken, and in particular representatives of employers and workers, shall be consulted concerning employment policies. Please indicate whether procedures have been established for the purpose of holding such consultations and whether representatives of persons engaged in the rural sector and the informal economy are associated with such consultations.

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Further to its 2001 direct request, the Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s detailed report received in August 2002.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that it is in the middle of its third five-year economic development plan, and has implemented some new measures. It has established several incentives to hire registered unemployed persons. These include reducing the contributions and tax levied on both the employer and worker and increasing the maximum loans available to small and medium enterprises which hire registered unemployed persons, on condition that they do not replace existing staff. The Government has also created information centres to inform jobseekers and businesses about trends in the labour market. As part of its efforts to promote employment in rural areas, the Government has developed conservation projects, and agricultural workers are taught improved farming techniques. The chart of labour market statistics appended to the Government’s report indicates that, in general, labour market trends appear to be quite stable. The participation rate as a whole has increased from 34.7 per cent in 1997 to 37.19 per cent in 2001. The participation rate of older workers (50 to 64 years of age) decreased slightly from 13.09 to 12.83 per cent. Unemployment rose slightly, from 4.55 per cent in 1997 to 5.29 per cent in 2001. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate continuing to receive details on the various programmes implemented and their impact on employment promotion both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and disabled workers. Please also supply information on underemployment as requested in the report form.

2. Article 2. The Committee notes that the Government’s report does not contain any information on how the various policies and programmes to promote employment are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy. Please provide such information, as requested in the report form.

3. Article 3. The Committee again requests information on the manner in which consultations are held with representatives of employers, workers and other groups, such as rural and informal sector workers, and on the outcome of these consultations concerning employment policies.

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The Committee notes the information provided in the Government’s detailed report in reply to points raised in its previous direct request.

1. Article 1 of the Convention. The Government states that the problem of employment is a particular worry for the Government and that the role of women is of utmost importance. The third economic plan covers economic, social and educational projects. At least half of the measures taken were aimed at promoting employment in rural areas, with priority placed on self-employment and apprenticeships. The Government has set up a system of 300 specialists to gather information on the job market and to help jobseekers to find jobs. It also has allowed 83 private placement agencies to operate an extensive placement network both inside and outside the country.

2. The number of vocational training centres increased from 205 in 1998 to 295 in 1999, with 389,933 people receiving training. The Government also expanded the range of programmes offered, especially in industry and agriculture. The number of private training centres also increased, which cater in particular to the needs of employed people. The number of training centres for women increased from 47 in 1998 to 97 in 1999. The Government plans to further expand access to training in rural areas through the use of mobile educational teams. The Organization for Technical and Professional Training also certifies the skills of workers, and issued 600,000 certificates in 1999. The Government also provides detailed information on the numerous programmes aimed at promoting employment of women, particularly women heads of households and women in rural areas. The Committee notes this information and would appreciate receiving further details on the impact of these measures on employment promotion. Please also supply the information requested in the report form on the situation, level and trends of employment, unemployment and underemployment, both in the aggregate and as they affect particular categories of workers such as women, young persons, older workers and disabled workers.

3. Article 2. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that employment policy is based on a detailed analysis of the opportunities and problems in the labour market. Please provide further information on how employment policies and programmes are kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

4. Article 3. Please provide information on the manner in which consultations are held with representatives of employers, workers and other groups, such as rural and informal sector workers, and on the outcome of these consultations.

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The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1997 and the information provided in reply to its previous request. It notes the statistical data on the active population, employment and unemployment disaggregated by sex and age and requests the Government to continue providing the information as detailed as possible on the situation and trends in the labour market. Please also continue to provide information on any new measures taken to ensure the compilation and analysis of the relevant data.

2. The Committee notes the measures taken to strengthen vocational and technical training and adapt it to the needs of the labour market and to promote investment in the various sectors, including the agricultural sector, with a view to reducing the dependence of the economy on oil production. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide more detailed information on the nature of the measures adopted and on the results achieved. The Committee notes the emphasis placed by the Government on the importance of developing self-employment by women in rural areas and requests it to describe the measures adopted to promote full employment in this category of the population.

3. The Committee notes with interest the first results obtained in achieving the employment objectives of the second Five-Year Plan for Economic, Social and Cultural Development (1994-98). Please state whether the measures to be taken to promote employment have been re-examined in the light of these results and "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

4. Please continue providing information on the measures which have been taken to strengthen the network of public employment services and improve their effectiveness. Please provide any available statistical data on the nature and volume of their activities.

5. Article 3. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the manner in which the Supreme Labour Council ensures the consultation of the representatives of the persons affected by employment policies, including the representatives of persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector. Please provide examples of the subjects covered by the Council, with an indication of the views expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account.

6. Part V of the report form. Please provide detailed information on the action taken as a result of ILO technical advisory and cooperation activities, particularly in the field of the development of small enterprises and the strengthening of employment services.

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1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1997 and the information provided in reply to its previous request. It notes the statistical data on the active population, employment and unemployment disaggregated by sex and age and requests the Government to continue providing the information as detailed as possible on the situation and trends in the labour market. Please also continue to provide information on any new measures taken to ensure the compilation and analysis of the relevant data.

2. The Committee notes the measures taken to strengthen vocational and technical training and adapt it to the needs of the labour market and to promote investment in the various sectors, including the agricultural sector, with a view to reducing the dependence of the economy on oil production. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide more detailed information on the nature of the measures adopted and on the results achieved. The Committee notes the emphasis placed by the Government on the importance of developing self-employment by women in rural areas and requests it to describe the measures adopted to promote full employment in this category of the population.

3. The Committee notes with interest the first results obtained in achieving the employment objectives of the second Five-Year Plan for Economic, Social and Cultural Development (1994-98). Please state whether the measures to be taken to promote employment have been re-examined in the light of these results and "within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy", in accordance with Article 2 of the Convention.

4. Please continue providing information on the measures which have been taken to strengthen the network of public employment services and improve their effectiveness. Please provide any available statistical data on the nature and volume of their activities.

5. Article 3. The Committee once again requests the Government to provide detailed information on the manner in which the Supreme Labour Council ensures the consultation of the representatives of the persons affected by employment policies, including the representatives of persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector. Please provide examples of the subjects covered by the Council, with an indication of the views expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account.

6. Part V of the report form. Please provide detailed information on the action taken as a result of ILO technical advisory and cooperation activities, particularly in the field of the development of small enterprises and the strengthening of employment services.

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The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1994 and the detailed information that it contains in reply to its previous direct request. It notes that the statistical data provided in the report on employment and unemployment by sex, age and sector cover the period 1986-91 and hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide such data in its next report for the period covered by the report. The Committee notes in this respect that special emphasis was placed on improving the procedures for the compilation and processing of statistical data on the labour market. In view of the need for precise information on the characteristics and trends of the supply and demand for labour in order to "decide on and keep under review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, the measures to be adopted for attaining" employment objectives (Article 2 of the Convention), the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any further measures adopted in this respect.

2. The Government states that due to the limitations on the financing of investments for the creation of jobs, the second Five-year Plan for Economic, Social and Cultural Development (1994-98) continues to give priority to promoting self-employment in order to achieve a better sectoral and regional balance. The Committee also notes the information provided on the Government's projects for the development of technical support services for the promotion of productive employment in rural areas. It would be grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on the principal orientations of the global and sectoral economic policies that are being pursued, with an indication of their expected or reported impact on employment. Please supply with the report the parts of the second Five-year Plan relating to employment objectives, with an indication of the extent to which they have been achieved.

3. The Committee notes the information on the development of networks of employment services and vocational training centres. It notes that, in the context of the privatization policy, it is now possible to open private employment agencies provided that approval is obtained. Please describe the measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

4. The Committee notes that cooperation between those responsible for education, training and employment is ensured through coordination commissions in order to adapt the supply of skills to the expected demand on the labour market. Recalling that under the terms of Article 1, paragraph 2(c), of the Convention, the employment policy shall aim at ensuring that there is "the fullest possible opportunity for each worker to qualify for, and to use his skills and endowments in, a job for which he is well suited, irrespective of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin", the Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the implementation of this provision of the Convention, taking into account the request that it has made on this subject under Convention No. 111, to which it refers.

5. The Committee believes it is correct in understanding that the consultations held in the Supreme Council of Labour cover various aspects of employment policy and include representatives of persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector. It would be grateful if the Government would provide examples of the issues examined by this Council, with an indication of the opinions expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention.

6. Finally, the Committee notes that the Government refers in its report to the implementation of a technical cooperation project in the field of training and that it mentions studies for projects on small enterprises and self-employment. It requests the Government to indicate the action taken as a result of these projects (Part V of the report form).

CMNT_TITLE

1. The Committee notes the Government's report for the period ending June 1994 and the detailed information that it contains in reply to its previous direct request. It notes that the statistical data provided in the report on employment and unemployment by sex, age and sector cover the period 1986-91 and hopes that the Government will be in a position to provide such data in its next report for the period covered by the report. The Committee notes in this respect that special emphasis was placed on improving the procedures for the compilation and processing of statistical data on the labour market. In view of the need for precise information on the characteristics and trends of the supply and demand for labour in order to "decide on and keep under review, within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy, the measures to be adopted for attaining" employment objectives (Article 2 of the Convention), the Committee requests the Government to provide information on any further measures adopted in this respect.

2. The Government states that due to the limitations on the financing of investments for the creation of jobs, the second Five-year Plan for Economic, Social and Cultural Development (1994-98) continues to give priority to promoting self-employment in order to achieve a better sectoral and regional balance. The Committee also notes the information provided on the Government's projects for the development of technical support services for the promotion of productive employment in rural areas. It would be grateful if the Government would provide information in its next report on the principal orientations of the global and sectoral economic policies that are being pursued, with an indication of their expected or reported impact on employment. Please supply with the report the parts of the second Five-year Plan relating to employment objectives, with an indication of the extent to which they have been achieved.

3. The Committee notes the information on the development of networks of employment services and vocational training centres. It notes that, in the context of the privatization policy, it is now possible to open private employment agencies provided that approval is obtained. Please describe the measures taken to ensure effective cooperation between the public employment service and private employment agencies.

4. The Committee notes that cooperation between those responsible for education, training and employment is ensured through coordination commissions in order to adapt the supply of skills to the expected demand on the labour market. Recalling that under the terms of Article 1, paragraph 2(c), of the Convention, the employment policy shall aim at ensuring that there is "the fullest possible opportunity for each worker to qualify for, and to use his skills and endowments in, a job for which he is well suited, irrespective of race, colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin", the Committee requests the Government to provide full particulars on the implementation of this provision of the Convention, taking into account the request that it has made on this subject under Convention No. 111, to which it refers.

5. The Committee believes it is correct in understanding that the consultations held in the Supreme Council of Labour cover various aspects of employment policy and include representatives of persons working in the rural sector and the informal sector. It would be grateful if the Government would provide examples of the issues examined by this Council, with an indication of the opinions expressed and the manner in which they have been taken into account, in accordance with Article 3 of the Convention.

6. Finally, the Committee notes that the Government refers in its report to the implementation of a technical cooperation project in the field of training and that it mentions studies for projects on small enterprises and self-employment. It requests the Government to indicate the action taken as a result of these projects (Part V of the report form).

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee took note of the Government's report and the information supplied in answer to its previous direct request. It would be grateful if the Government would provide additional information on the following points in its next report.

1. The Government indicates that the creation of 72,000 jobs per year, on average, has enabled the unemployment rate to be reduced from 14.2 per cent in 1986 to 11.4 per cent in 1991. Please continue to provide statistical data which are as detailed as possible on the level and trends in employment, underemployment and unemployment, by sector of activity, sex and age. Please indicate the measures taken or under consideration to improve procedures for collecting and analysing the statistical data necessary for the formulation of employment policy measures.

2. The Committee notes that the promotion of productive employment and self-employment are among the main objectives of the first five-year economic, social and cultural plan (1989-93). Please state the manner in which employment objectives are coordinated with the other economic and social objectives in the implementation of the above plan, indicating, in particular, how the objective of full, productive and freely chosen employment (Article 1 of the Convention) is taken into account in budgetary, monetary and trade policies, and prices, incomes and wages policies.

3. The Government indicates that the main objective of its employment policy is the development of employment services, whose functions have been stepped up by the provisions of the new Labour Code. Please provide information on the organization and functioning of the employment services and all available data on the number and nature of the cases they have dealt with.

4. The Government also refers to various projects and programmes geared in particular towards the development of self-employment, rural employment, and the employment of young people, women and the disabled. The Committee would be grateful if in its next report the Government would provide detailed information on the measures taken and the results obtained in each of the above areas. In this connection, it invites the Government to take into consideration the relevant provisions of Recommendations Nos. 122 and 169. Please also indicate the manner in which education and training policies are coordinated with prospective employment opportunities.

5. With reference to its previous direct request, the Committee notes the provisions of the new Labour Code, which concern the composition of the Higher Council of Labour. Please state whether this Council is consulted as to employment policy measures. Please indicate, more generally, the manner in which representatives of the persons affected - who, in addition to representatives of employers' and workers' organizations, could include representatives of other sectors of the economically active population, such as those working in the rural sector and in the informal sector - are consulted concerning employment policies, in accordance with Article 3.

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The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee takes note of the brief information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes in particular that the formulation of employment policy constitutes a key aspect of national economic planning. It hopes that, in its future reports, the Government will supply detailed information on the implementation of employment policy set out in the Convention. Please indicate the employment objectives defined in development plans and programmes and report on progress made in attaining them. Please describe the main policies being implemented with particular reference to investment policy, prices and incomes policy, rural development and the informal sector, as well as the measures designed to satisfy the needs of specific categories of workers such as young people, women and the disabled (Article 1 of the Convention).

2. The Committee takes note of the problems referred to by the Government concerning the compilation of statistics. It recalls that implementation of the provisions of Article 2 involves measures for the collection and analysis of statistical and other data needed as a basis for decisions on employment policy measures. The Committee hopes that, in the near future, the Government will be able to provide statistical data or estimates on the situation, levels and trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment both at the general level and in respect of the specific categories mentioned under point 1 above (Article 1. See also Part VI of the report form.)

3. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide in its next report information on the activities of the technical and vocational training body of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, particularly within the framework of the implementation of the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871, 1987). Please state the measures designed to co-ordinate education and training policies with employment prospects. (Report form, point 3 of question 3 under Article 1.)

4. In reply to the Committee's previous comments, the Government indicates that, on the recommendation of the Higher Council of Labour, the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871) was adopted on 21 May 1987. The Committee takes note in particular of section 9 of this Act, which requires that employers, Islamic councils or workers' delegates should communicate job vacancies to the local employment service centres; that the Government should make provision each year for job-creation projects for the unemployed; and which enables the unemployed, in certain conditions, to have preference in exercising an occupational activity or setting up businesses. The Committee notes that this Act is to be implemented for a trial period of three years, and it would be grateful if the Government would in its next report provide information on the number of beneficiaries of unemployment insurance, and the number and nature of the productive jobs created on the Government's initiative or on that of the unemployed themselves.

5. Please describe the composition of the Higher Council of Labour, stating whether it has made any other recommendations concerning employment policy matters, and provide information of a general nature on the way in which consultations on employment policy are held with the various sectors concerned, in the terms of Article 3.

6. Finally, the Committee notes that, in reply to its earlier comment, the Government indicates that it may envisage requesting technical co-operation from the ILO in order to apply the international standards in its employment policy. It would be grateful if the Government would, if appropriate, provide information on any developments in this respect.

CMNT_TITLE

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

1. The Committee takes note of the brief information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes in particular that the formulation of employment policy constitutes a key aspect of national economic planning. It hopes that, in its future reports, the Government will supply detailed information on the implementation of employment policy set out in the Convention. Please indicate the employment objectives defined in development plans and programmes and report on progress made in attaining them. Please describe the main policies being implemented with particular reference to investment policy, prices and incomes policy, rural development and the informal sector, as well as the measures designed to satisfy the needs of specific categories of workers such as young people, women and the disabled (Article 1 of the Convention).

2. The Committee takes note of the problems referred to by the Government concerning the compilation of statistics. It recalls that implementation of the provisions of Article 2 involves measures for the collection and analysis of statistical and other data needed as a basis for decisions on employment policy measures. The Committee hopes that, in the near future, the Government will be able to provide statistical data or estimates on the situation, levels and trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment both at the general level and in respect of the specific categories mentioned under point 1 above (Article 1. See also Part VI of the report form.)

3. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide in its next report information on the activities of the technical and vocational training body of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, particularly within the framework of the implementation of the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871, 1987). Please state the measures designed to co-ordinate education and training policies with employment prospects. (Report form, point 3 of question 3 under Article 1.)

4. In reply to the Committee's previous comments, the Government indicates that, on the recommendation of the Higher Council of Labour, the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871) was adopted on 21 May 1987. The Committee takes note in particular of section 9 of this Act, which requires that employers, Islamic councils or workers' delegates should communicate job vacancies to the local employment service centres; that the Government should make provision each year for job-creation projects for the unemployed; and which enables the unemployed, in certain conditions, to have preference in exercising an occupational activity or setting up businesses. The Committee notes that this Act is to be implemented for a trial period of three years, and it would be grateful if the Government would in its next report provide information on the number of beneficiaries of unemployment insurance, and the number and nature of the productive jobs created on the Government's initiative or on that of the unemployed themselves.

5. Please describe the composition of the Higher Council of Labour, stating whether it has made any other recommendations concerning employment policy matters, and provide information of a general nature on the way in which consultations on employment policy are held with the various sectors concerned, in the terms of Article 3.

6. Finally, the Committee notes that, in reply to its earlier comment, the Government indicates that it may envisage requesting technical co-operation from the ILO in order to apply the international standards in its employment policy. It would be grateful if the Government would, if appropriate, provide information on any developments in this respect.

CMNT_TITLE

1. The Committee takes note of the brief information provided by the Government in reply to its earlier comments. It notes in particular that the formulation of employment policy constitutes a key aspect of national economic planning. It hopes that, in its future reports, the Government will supply detailed information on the implementation of employment policy set out in the Convention. Please indicate the employment objectives defined in development plans and programmes and report on progress made in attaining them. Please describe the main policies being implemented with particular reference to investment policy, prices and incomes policy, rural development and the informal sector, as well as the measures designed to satisfy the needs of specific categories of workers such as young people, women and the disabled (Article 1 of the Convention).

2. The Committee takes note of the problems referred to by the Government concerning the compilation of statistics. It recalls that implementation of the provisions of Article 2 involves measures for the collection and analysis of statistical and other data needed as a basis for decisions on employment policy measures. The Committee hopes that, in the near future, the Government will be able to provide statistical data or estimates on the situation, levels and trends in employment, unemployment and underemployment both at the general level and in respect of the specific categories mentioned under point 1 above (Article 1. See also Part VI of the report form.)

3. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide in its next report information on the activities of the technical and vocational training body of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, particularly within the framework of the implementation of the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871, 1987). Please state the measures designed to co-ordinate education and training policies with employment prospects. (Report form, point 3 of question 3 under Article 1.)

4. In reply to the Committee's previous comments, the Government indicates that, on the recommendation of the Higher Council of Labour, the Unemployment Insurance Act (No. 1/1871) was adopted on 21 May 1987. The Committee takes note in particular of section 9 of this Act, which requires that employers, Islamic councils or workers' delegates should communicate job vacancies to the local employment service centres; that the Government should make provision each year for job-creation projects for the unemployed; and which enables the unemployed, in certain conditions, to have preference in exercising an occupational activity or setting up businesses. The Committee notes that this Act is to be implemented for a trial period of three years, and it would be grateful if the Government would in its next report provide information on the number of beneficiaries of unemployment insurance, and the number and nature of the productive jobs created on the Government's initiative or on that of the unemployed themselves.

5. Please describe the composition of the Higher Council of Labour, stating whether it has made any other recommendations concerning employment policy matters, and provide information of a general nature on the way in which consultations on employment policy are held with the various sectors concerned, in the terms of Article 3.

6. Finally, the Committee notes that, in reply to its earlier comment, the Government indicates that it may envisage requesting technical co-operation from the ILO in order to apply the international standards in its employment policy. It would be grateful if the Government would, if appropriate, provide information on any developments in this respect.